How to Prepare For A Concrete Pour

The way to have the best pour of concrete is to be prepared. In other words have everything ready when the concrete is. To do this you should start a couple of days early to make sure you are ready in all areas of your work.

Make sure all of your forms are in the right positions. Drive all of the stakes level with or below the edge of the form. If you are ever in doubt about your structure, add more stakes. Better to be sure than to be sorry.

Install expansion joints. These give your concrete the freedom to move without cracking or heaving up or down because of temperature or humidity changes. Fit expansion joints every 8 to 10 feet in slabs.

If you plan to reuse the forms then you should coat them with shellac or oil. If they are to remain in place than cover the edges with masking tape to protect them.

Make a bed for the concrete by spreading cinders gravel or sand. Any of these will work. Make sure it is a couple of inches deep

Level out your bed using a board that fits in the form and work it back and forth to make the bed level. Tamp the bed lightly so it is well compacted and level.

You should use a heavy weld wire mesh for reinforcement. If you need help with this have a helper stand on one end while you roll out the mesh. This stuff can be stiff. Cut to size with bolt cutters. Get the mesh as flat as possible.

Prop up the wire mesh about half way up your form with rocks. This is done so the concrete will flow through the mesh and be in the middle of your pour. This adds strength to your concrete.

Last but not least, wet down the area the day before you pour and sprinkle it again just before you pour your concrete to help slow the drying time and to avoid it from drying out too soon before it has time to cure. You are now ready to pour your concrete. Have fun.